Welcome to the 6th month of Family Formation FOUNDATIONS! Last month we spent a bunch of time with the Holy Spirit. We started with the Trinity and I hope you did the flashlight demonstration as an opening way to talk about God’s infinite love and mercy and goodness. We will literally never get to the bottom of it, either here on earth or one day when we’re in heaven. And that love is imprinted on each of you and your kids, and on your family. It gives you the means to be unbreakable as you immerse your family in all the goodness God has for you.
It’s easy to struggle with developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit since He doesn’t really have any tangible characteristics, but we learned about the remarkable things that happen at baptism and how the Holy Spirit is with us always and everywhere. I think the key to a relationship is thinking about this “always and everywhere.” In the lesson we asked, “Have you ever been nice to someone? Have you ever told your mom or dad that you love them? Have you ever shared something, or appreciated a sunset, or told the truth or played fair?” All of these things seem like they’re just us, being good, but what is REALLY happening is the Holy Spirit is inspiring us to live in His love! Keeping that truth at the forefront is the key to it all.
This month, we’re learning about the Church, and the transition between these two topics is natural and smooth. The Catechism tells us that “What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Church.” (797) Without the work of the Holy Spirit there would be no sacraments, or bible, or service to others, or missionary activity, or any of the things we know as “church.” So, come Holy Spirit and guide us as we learn more about the Church Jesus left for us!
Lesson Notes are a quick overview, including tips and tricks, to go with each of the Home Lessons. You’ll find Notes for Home Lesson 6-1 here, Home Lesson 6-2 here, and Home Lesson 6-3 here.
Saint John Bosco’s Dream of a Great Ship, the Church Click here to read about St. John Bosco’s image of the Church as a ship steering us through the wind and waves of this world.
More Images of the Barque of Peter (the Church as a ship)
- The Barque of Peter by Cecilia Lawrence
- Navicella by Giotto
Growing in Love for the Eucharist This article from an experienced Catholic dad lists 10 simple but powerful ways to grow in love for Jesus in the Eucharist.
Family Formation 